HEALTH DIGITALIZATION IS A NEED OF HOUR

Abstract

Information system (IS) is the backbone of all organizations, programmes or projects. The swift spread of technology has also brought to the development and extension of the information systems utilized by the governments. In the case of Punjab province of Pakistan, there has been an exponential expansion of information systems by the public sector, particularly the health sector. In order to simplify the data flow and increase the performance of personnel, especially those operating in the remote fields, a resilient, fully integrated and complete digital medical and registry systems is a need of hour. Data accuracy will equip government to prepare one step ahead for the future, optimize present resources in line with need, reduce drug and supply pilfering, monitor staff performance efficiently and improve services quality.2 All of these will help directly in achieving the broader aim of universal healthcare. Once fully operational, the idea suggested would be a single, centered database, allowing people to login and have access to their own health records right from the start. In Punjab there are already several fragmented information systems.